MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
CAREER & TECHNICAL PROGRAMS
MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN CAREER & TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE
WHAT IS IT?
The Mental Health Technician program prepares students for employment as mental health technicians, psychiatric aides or technicians, and nursing assistants. This field is in high demand due to the substance abuse crisis.
A mental health tech works in a variety of healthcare facilities under the supervision of a psychiatrist, registered nurse, counselor, or social worker and participates in the basic nursing care and therapeutic treatment plans for patients with mental health, substance abuse, and addiction issues.
Students in this 16-week program will complete Florida’ s mandatory training requirements for individuals entering a healthcare field, as well as specific career-based training in physical assessment, psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, developmental disabilities, health and wellness education, emergency and crisis intervention, and basic nursing assistant skills. Courses will cover the spectrum of interventions and treatment for mental health, substance abuse, and addiction issues, focusing on the patient’ s stabilization and rehabilitation.
Successful completion of the program leads to a vocational Career and Technical Certificate. Once students have completed the program’ s first 165 clock hours, they are eligible to take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant( CNA) examination. After graduation and further work experience of 1,000 hours in the fields of mental health or substance abuse, students may also be eligible for the Florida Certification Board( FCB) exam to become credentialed as a Certified Behavioral Health Technician( CBHT); Certified Recovery Peer Specialist( CRPS-A Adult, CRPS-F Family, CRPS-V Veteran); or Certified Community Health Worker.
Note: The Mental Health Technician program is a limited access program. A specialized application process is required.
Mental Health Technician Certificate Possible Positions
Job Growth by 2030
Median Salary
Mental Health Technician 161,400 $ 36,230 All data is taken from: BLS( Bureau of Labor Statistics) • O * NET Online • PayScale
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